High Life / A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Discovering Which Side Is Up : Religion: Christian rally draws 8,500 for day of music, motivational speeches and spiritual messages at Anaheim Convention Center.

Toilet paper streamers flew through the air, and paper airplanes buzzed by the ears. Girls challenged boys on who could scream the loudest, and vice versa.

A typical high school pep assembly? No, much bigger than that.

A rock concert? Almost, but not quite.

How about “This Side Up,” a massive, maniacal Christian youth rally? You got it.

“It’s a crazy, wild mess!” yelled Manessah Nolot, a student from Woodbridge High School in Irvine and one of more than 8,500 teen-agers from throughout Southern California who spent Oct. 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

“This Side Up,” sponsored by the National Institute of Youth Ministries headquartered in San Clemente, provided a day of learning, fun and fellowship.

The energy began circulating at 1 p.m., when teen-agers met in the convention center’s arena for the first of what were called “Big Sessions.”

Knock-knock jokes beamed down from a huge video screen and were met with laughs and groans, but that soon gave way to screams as those in attendance jumped to their feet to sing, shout and sway with the music of Al Denson, a Christian song leader who performs more than 180 concerts a year.

“The music is great this year,” said Chris Griebe, a Canyon High student who also attended the annual Christian rally a year ago.

After Denson taught the crowd some dance moves, the Katina Boyz took the stage. Brothers from Samoa, the five musicians performed barbershop quartet, street jazz and rap, bringing tears to the eyes of many when they sang a song about their late mother.

Once the “Big Session” was over, teens and adults could choose to attend two of 19 possible workshops, where discussions ranged from drugs and dealing with parents, to dating, sex, rock music and relationships with God.

Buster Soaries, a motivational speaker, delivered a message about how hard work and determination can lift a person from the worst of circumstances.

“It was eye-opening to see how well off you are compared to others,” said Don Behrent, a student at Dana Hills High.

While the music was the high point for many, the spiritual aspects were also important. John Katina, of the Katina Boyz, summed up why he wanted to be involved with the day’s events.

“It’s a great place not only to meet friends but once you leave these doors, you know you’ll be closer to God,” he said while walking through the exhibit hall where T-shirts, books and tapes were on display.

Besides the serious messages, “This Side Up” also provided good, clean fun. Since it helped to kick off Red Ribbon Week, emphasis was placed on teens having drug-free fun.

“It was radical to see kids high on God and not drugs or alcohol,” said Cara Veale of San Clemente High.

Zoe Tsighis, another student at Canyon High, added her observation that it’s a lot easier to say no to drugs and alcohol when you’re with thousands of other kids who are making that same pledge. “Remembering that pledge when you’re at a party can be tough,” she said, “but knowing I’ve got friends like this helps.”

Jim Burns, master of ceremonies and president of the National Institute of Youth Ministry, closed the day’s events at 9 p.m. with a simple proclamation. In ending the second “Big Session,” he told the assemblage: “You’ve just experienced ‘This Side Up.’ ”

The conventioneers went crazy and carried the party into the convention center’s parking lot, where people cheered, honked their horns and shared smiles and hugs with those who had been strangers just a few hours earlier.

On Nov. 17, the NIYM will sponsor “Handling Your Hormones,” a daylong session on love, sex and dating. For further information, call (714) 498-4418.